No it’s NOT childish at all, if you have to wear specs then it’s vital they’re CORRECT as they’re part of your everyday life for EVER so you should complain as much as u have to, well done guy.
What I can't understand is some of the opticians in the Specsavers were i live have been there nearly thirty years but they only put me in to the ones that just came out of college and my mam who is 74 this year and they are a pile of shit ime never going there again I'll take a long bus ride first.
I agree and I worked for them for years. They are only interested in sales, sales and sales. They reprimand their optometrists if he/she is not producing enough SALES! It's all about the ££$$$€€
The reading glasses I got from them have no anti reflection coating on them. They are freaking terrible. They did not even tell me about the need for the coating. I am going to a different place to get new ones.
I can completely understand why you’re not happy, the attitude displayed by the staff sounds awful. I’m an optical assistant and it sounds to me like they didn’t manage your customer expectations when initially dispensing the glasses. Based on your description of the lenses, did you have varifocals? If so they should have explained to you how in a varifocal lens there is an area of soft focus (the distortion you’re describing) which cannot be helped as this is where the three prescriptions in the lens have to merge. It is more noticeable the lower quality varifocal lens and less noticeable the higher quality lens. I’m not sure which lens you opted for at Specsavers but typically people usually have a lot of problems with distortion when they have the standard or premium varifocal, this is because the lens doesn’t offer a particular wide field of vision and therefore, the area of distortion is much more prominent. Additionally as you described them “fixing” the glasses and everything seeming off centre..this sounds like they also measured your pupil distance incorrectly. Did they check this again when you returned? It’s crazy how they didn’t do more to try and solve the problem rather than encouraging you to go elsewhere!
It’s another example of the kind of arrogance and shoddy customer service you often get if you dare to complain in British retail. I get the feeling that some opticians put themselves above other retailers because they are providing a medically related product and now have access to your medical records (thanks to the NHS allowing businesses access a few years ago unless you opted out) but they are just as capable of ballsing up as anyone else and some of them need to be brought down a peg or two.
This Has Got To Be The Worst Opticians Customer Service I Have Ever Experienced In Over 43 Years !!! I said to the woman that I was not happy with her advice on getting new glasses and new lenses because I can see better with my older glasses that they talked me out of then they act all dumb don't know when you ask them... They just want everyone to buy new glasses and lenses that are worse of for there personal health , I'll find a new opticians I said as I left they have made my eyes worse off !!!(
Why would one of the most successful franchises on the planet be deliberately giving incorrect lenses to people, does that sound like an effective business plan do u think? Of course no think before you speak (or type)
Interesting. My first and last pair came from Specsavers around 18 months ago. I was happy with them but I have nothing to compare them to. I'm now in need of a new pair and I'm seriously considering going elsewhere. An old friend of mine is an independent optician, 20 miles away but I might take the drive and give him my business.
Sorry about your bad experience! Should come to our store in NZ we would have looked after you! Sounds like they did a horrible job. The lens was warped, and the second time your optical centre was off. So most likely they messed up your PD's
I actually work for specsavers, I used to be a lab manager (manager of production) for 2 stores where I’d see these problems often. I’d say 95% of people never have an issue and say the products are really good. However during my time I have seen some awful errors, one I remember being a polarised lens being sent in 90degrees off axis, which was in a varifocal so it was definitely a manufacturing mistake. I remember recording the lens and asking for a QC check to make sure it didn’t happen again. It happened another 2 times. I do find specsavers lenses fine myself but from my experience people with complicated prescription have a lot of problems? I can’t work out if it’s cause these prescriptions come with more complications or whether it’s just specsavers lenses that aren’t very good with high astigmatic/ complicated prescriptions lenses. Did you get bifocals or varifocals in the end???
I got bifocals. I never opt for varifocals. To be honest, I have difficulty with most optitions I go to, but all except specsavers have managed to get it right by the second try.
I just had a bad experience at Spec Savers in Vancouver Canada and it is exactly as you are describing. It is several problems with both; one of the frames and lenses on the bogo which is more rectangular than square rectangular and the temple is two different lengths on both pairs. Refusing to fix any problems. Mocking me in a condescending tone and denying that there are any problems at all. Kept interrupting me as I was trying to speak and the manager could only say "My Hands Are Shaking" and that there is no problems as I held the 2 pairs of glasses to show them. It's a Sham and a Scam!
My experience of SpecSavers is that they are nothing more than a sausage machine churning out glasses. I've just got my first set of bifocals. They couldn't give a damn about the customer. The "trying on" phase was rushed and unacceptable. I wasn’t even taken to a proper desk or booth and they can’t have taken more than 5 mins. They couldn't give a stuff and didn’t really check them properly they were so busy! I am still struggling to get used to them about 4- 5 weeks later. The off the peg ones I got in Boots are better! Would I go to Specsavers again. Highly unlikely! Their marketing budget seems to be on a par with McDonalds - if they spent less money on advertising and more on getting their customer service right it would be something. The only I would go back is to complain about my bifocal lenses (when I have five minutes) as something isn’t right with mine. Well done to you for not putting up with shoddy service and standing up to arrogant staff.
Still the same. First the long distance was wrong. Using their premium lenses distortion worse than any I ever had before. Had to go back three times. This is still going on. Going cheap is not a great idea if like you you have slightly complex needs.
Exactly the same as my specsaver experience this year. Gave me contacts with a prescription that was making me sick(the giveaway should've been that my eyesight had improved), had to go back for a retest and they agreed it was wrong but made poor excuses as how it was probably right "at the time". My glasses too have some defect i can see if i look to the left, only wear them v occasionally and only ever pay the very basic so i didn't complain, had i spent the astronomical amount they charge for lens thinning i would've been mad! My girlfriend works for boots the opticians so quite why i even use specsavers i'll never know, old habits i guess....
this is a very fair accessment by the sounds of it. For obvious reasons it's hardly a stretch to think bad practice happens in some of these places. Odd that you should receive thumbs down for speaking of this bad experience
Were had similar problems with Specsavers in Leeds, it's even worse as its for my 90 year old grandmother who is housebound and who we care for. They did the initial home visit eye test 10 weeks ago, the glasses took 2 weeks to be made when she tried them on she couldn't see a thing at all through them. They sent them back to be tested this took 3 weeks with us phoning every day after the 1st week. They said the lenses were correct and they would send them back out with a optician this time to address any problems at my grandmothers home. This happened a week later when they arrived they were not an optician she told us they don't send opticians out for delivery plus she had not been told of the previous issues. So they had to go back again same thing happened took 3 bloody weeks 2 of which was for the glasses to arrive back with Specsavers its was only leeds to Manchester but took 2 weeks, We finally then got a phone call saying they were ready to be delivered I asked have the lenses been remade, I was told the most unconvincing yes imaginable. I decided to ring back the next day and spoke to somebody else asked the same question have the lenses been remade, immediately said no these were the same lenses well I lost my shit at that point and asked to speak to a manager who I tore a chunk out of her arse I don't think she will ever be able to sit down its just unacceptable. Anyhow we got a refund went to a small independent opticians within 2 weeks my grandmother has a new pair of glasses which she can see out of, so I'm with you Steve "shouldn't have gone to Specsavers"
Yes the home visit is worse, they missed my dad's serious macular degeneration, when we sent him to a proper opticians he was sent to hospital that afternoon.
YES. In Bristol, there are people flyering in the street, outside the shop, things through the door but worst of all they actually put banners on bikes and then lock the bike to a public bike store for free advertising preventing anyone from it! Outrageous and all this has achieved (for me) is a boycott of their service. They are too aggressive with advertising, its got to make you wonder about the service (which is often pretty shoddy). I swear they used to be alright in the 90's!
This is almost as funny as the Monty Python Parrot sketch. I am glad you got sorted. Well done for being direct with them. Many people would not be as forthright as you, unfortunately.
Crazy story! I'm currently waiting for a re pair since the ones i got turned out to be too small for my face. For some reason they make lenses really big these days, not slim like my old ones 2 years ago
Personally I like the old way of testing your eyes. That machine is annoying because your head moves. Having the old style where they put glasses on your face and slot lenses in is better. I found out they gave me varifocals which I did not know. All she said was I have a very small reading prescription, but I was not told that these would be varifocals. I struggled with these lenses for a few months, went back and was told you hVe varifocals! I felt like I was going crossed eyed! Maybe the lenses were distorted who knows, but I won't be going back again.
Specsavers' varifocals are appalling. Even their best grade ('Tailor-made') of varifocals is rubbish. They have a very narrow window to see through, which means you have to turn your head to avoid the blurred areas on each side. When I got mine, I complained because they were far inferior to my pre-existing 10-year old Kodak lenses. I got my money refunded and an apology from two of the store's staff for their product not living up to the hype.
I had the exact same experience at SpecSavers, went to an independent and the prescription was much more accurate. They're half price for a reason, the coating on the lenses are poor too I got a lot of glare from the sun when driving. Essilor are the way to go.
Specsavers is the cheapest not the best. Luckily I've never had problems with my eyes even though almost everyone else in my family does! Good video you should do more like it. But I guess you only can when something pisses you off.
I have now had a test in boots and was the best test I ever had the guy had it all on computer and the lens were at the touch of a button and seemed more fine tuned and accurate he even at on point to check one eye on manual got to out of the bottom drawer the lens that turns both ways and he put it in front of what I was looking through like the old days. Specsave had made an error in my prism set up and be I had this for 2.5 years..no wonder I was struggling!
Your experience is nowhere as bad as mine but overall specsavers are a pile of shite, very poor service and extortionate prices... Which place would you recommend?
Similar to my recent experience at Specsavers. I could only see through the left lens of my new varifocals, while the right one was incredibly blurred. I was told to try them for a week to get used to them, which I would not accept. They even got the tint way too dark. I told him that if I wear those at night while driving, I'll get pulled by the police. "Oh, do you drive at night then?" he asked. Unbelievable! The lenses were sent away to be corrected, and after two weeks worth of phone calls, they were finally ready for collection. Siure, they'd lightened up the tint but they'd done nothing to correct the focus on the right lens. They insisted it was correct for my test results, so I suggested a new test. "I'll book one for tomorrow morning at 11.15 am. I turn up and he goes through all the same nonsense again, but then he begins to bend my frames, which I told him not to do. It turned out there was no retest, but then he said I could have one that afternoon. I turn up, get the retest, and it's roughly the same as the first. They tell me that the blurring through the right eye is due to the start of a cataract. "How come I can see better through my previous ten-year old lenses than through these?" I ask. They reply with some unconvincing technical explanation. Now, even the best grade of varifocals from Specsavers is rubbish. They have a very narrow window to see through, which means you have to turn your head to avoid the blurred areas on each side. When I got mine, I complained because they were far inferior to my pre-existing 10-year old Kodak lenses. They had nowhere else to go. I got my money refunded and an apology from two of the store's staff for their product not living up to the hype. Like you, never again.
They push me into contact lenses and you are right specsavers are awful they push me into contacts and really I just want a pair glasses that I can see out of them and take of them off knowing they are off without worrying about taking the little fuckers out! You are correct again they rush the eye tests!! And I am benefits so I was broke for a few days after paying £90 for three months worth plus £30 for a pair of glasses so that was a tight as duck ass week I noticed that at specsavers they rush their tests I am at local one now he took his time about 45-50mins long
right so here my update 3 days on the trotts i was told my new glasses were ready to pick up at 12 pm and they were not ready when i got there and then i was told that they would be ready at 12 pm i got there and they said that they were not ready and come back at 3 pm I constantly tried to phone but no one answered the phone so i could not confirm they were in fact readdy and had to go in person each time 4 times in all ,,, finally after 4 visits apparently they were ready but i put them on to find the right lens was the wrong prescription and i could see nothing but blur out of it WHEN LOOKING STRAIGHT AHEAD BUT IF I TURNED MY HEAD AND LOOK ACROSS to the side THEN I COULD SEE CLEARLY ,OUT OF THE RIGHT LENS so the focal point was in the wrong place ,, also the lenses were not ultra thin as i had ordered either i was told to take them home i would get used to them lol i said no way when i said i want my money back not only are the lenses not ultra thin as i ordered but the right eye is a completely different power to the left eye ; i was getting a bit stressed after all that f ing around as well 5 exasperated times being told that they would be ready to pick up and they were not .was annoying enough ! i was offered a retest as i simply would not accept their argument that apparently my prescription has changed , despite me being able to see perfectly wearing my old glasses then the other argument was oh they cant make the lenses thin as they are plastic to which i replied,Oh really look at these (holding up my old glasses which are the ultra thin i said i showed the sale woman my glasses when i made the order i said i wanted them the same as my old ones but with out the reaction tint that was the only aspect of the new glasses that was correct lol so now i have to wait until the 18th for that retest and start the procedure all over again thank you for posting this video as i might have been stupid enough to trust them when they said oh its a stronger prescription is all and you need to get used to it ,good grief
so today i was passing specsaverws and as i had heard nothing about my glasses i popped in only to be told that my glasses were in since friday and no one sent me a text or called me ,so i was sat down and some one came with them i put them on and i still could not see correctly so i was kept 40 mins while the lady ran about up and down to the lab and back 4 times and told me they have to make them again as the focal point is not in the correct place the pupul distance was in the wrong place ,i am shocked this is the second time now they have had to start all over apariently they will call me when they are in ,,,,,
i went to specsavers, had an eye test, picked some frames, all in all cost me 290 pounds, in 2018, when my glasses were ready for pick up, i tried them on and my vision was blurred, so had to have another eye test, another 40 pounds, so cost now is 330. pounds, 2 weeks later i went back intro specsavers to pick my newly adjusted glasses up, i tried them on and my vision was blurred again, they told me i had to keep the glasses as i had paid for them and had them rectified, they said keep them on and let my eyes adjust to them, it was impossible to drive with blurred vision so i could not use them at all, they have sat in a drawer at home now for 4 years now, 330. pounds down, specsavers? they use very cheap chinese glass, almost clear in the center, massive blurriness off the center, i didnt get a refund i was fobbed off, robbed by specsavers...NEVER AGAIN!!!!
You should have stuck to your guns when demanding a refund - you're legally entitled to one for a faulty, unsuitable product. I recently had a similar issue with Specsavers regarding a bad blurry lens. Eventually, I told them to put my old lenses back because at least I can see better with them. After putting the old ones back in my frames, he handed me the new ones and said "They're yours." I replied "They're no good to me. I want a refund", and so I got one.
I’ve been wearing glasses since I was fourteen, and specsavers were the worst I ever had, and I’m an old lady now. I got my money back. Don’t tell you that do they????
I wear glasses for 10 years now, and this sounds like a horror story really, im glad that you made this video, they did terible job, i cant believe what i am hearing, damn
Never EVER go to a Specsavers if you have a urgent eye issue. I waited for a apt yesterday, Got seen and prescribed medication only a hospital will hand over, and even then the pharmacy doesn’t like the letter the optician wrote on. So ended up in A&E as I’m so stressed with no medication. Absolute joke, I’m in pain and the prescription means nothing. What’s the point. Lesson learnt go A&E next time. The Specsavers optician said it wasn’t stress related even though I’ve recently been diagnosed with depression. And yet within two minutes the hospital said I have a stress related cyst. I am off work today due to it all. So I’m thinking about how to complain.
Well boots opticians is not good too, I get my eye test 4th dec my prescription changed everything’s fine, they told me I’ll get my glasses on the 18th and they said they tried calling me but they got the wrong number and tried to call me because the glasses where out of stock but the guy said they will give me the display model, I ask what happens they said they didn’t know, let me choose out a new pair and got told to pick them up on the 28th of December and they told me again that they tried to call me, I gave them a note with my phone number and they give glasses and they can’t even read they wanted to tell me that the glasses didn’t come because they lost them! I gave them my number and now it’s correct, I’m waiting for a call now
Many thanks for telling the story, it gives good experience about getting the right glasses from opticians Wish you good luck with those final glasses :-)
spec savers still have not sorted my glasses out im still waiting ,if they are not right im getting a refund and going somewhere else,i am really fed up now
SPECSAVERS LET ME DOWN AND IGNORED BY CUSTOMER SERVICE. My girlfriend bought me a voucher from Specsavers Kingston for my birthday, so I went in and had an eye test, chose my glasses and presented the voucher. "That's not the voucher", they said, "that's just the receipt". "Well that's all we were given", was our response. "Sorry, but no voucher, no glasses, and I definitely gave you a voucher, 100%." "Well then you should have a record of it on your computer" I said. After about an hour they finally agreed to check the computer...and guess what, NO VOUCHER WAS ISSUED THAT DAY, casting doubt on their assertions (Note nothing for 10th Feb). "Oh, well, erm, sorry you'll have to WRITE to the manager explaining your problem and he will look into it." It's sad when companies can't admit they're wrong, even when the evidence is presented to them by their own system. I have contacted the branch but so far no one has called to rectify their mistake. They have CCTV in store so I think it would be easy to review the tapes for 10 Feb 2016 and clear this up.
Sorry for what you have been through.These things happen when people are not hell bent to solve it.Am an optician myself in india i reckon eye test is important but even more important is recognising what progressive design would suit the prescription and frame shape too matters.With these kept in mind,patience and attitude also contribites to successfull welfare of customer.
Right on, spectacles AND discount doesn't go well together. Imagine how many old people from other generations who havn't got the same nerve regarding complaining over inferior products. resulting in them running about with distorted eyesight, crashing into eachother on the street and whatnot.
Your lucky I was verbally abused in the Dudley branch apparently there staff don't like people who they consider not pretty and will call you ugly on the shop floor. Rude arrogant nasty don't go to Specsavers unless you're a supermodel
Had kinda same problem about 8 years ago factory I worked for would pay for prescription safety glasses but only at one certain store (that I wont name ) went to my doctor for eye exam took the script to the other place and after 5 try's they still could not get it right ,said it was the wrong prescription I couldn't ask for refund as it was not my money ,but took same script to another place they got it right the first time only cost me $150.00 but it was worth it Yeah some people have good luck at crappy places and swear by them Me, I just get crap and swear at them
I have worn glasses from age 4, I'm now 62...& new glasses were never once a problem, until 6yrs ago when I entered my local specsavers. As per this video...two tests, four changes of prescription, four sets of lenses, over a period of 3mth's during which I was being driven to insanity from the moment I rose to the moment I retired. Regardless of their attempts I constantly ended up with lenses that put a whole new definition to the term varifocal, the focal distance varying both across & up/down. Those glasses made me mentally unstable, such was the hell of wearing the damn things....& in the end, having paid a small fortune for ultra thin, varifocal, reaction lenses, they went into the recycling centre bin...& I got a pair of basic distance glasses online, for £15 incl postage.Perfect, no problem & thank God because, being disabled & on benefits, then I've been obliged to go cheap(Specsavers) again, 4yrs ago & again 2yrs ago & again last month.Each time the exact same problem resulting in the same retests/remakes, the same result....glasses in the drawer & continuing with my 6yr old online gems.I went back three days ago demanding a refund & refusing to go down their pointless route yet again...they ignored my request, waffled on as I've heard too many times before & made me a retest with the MD tomorrow morning.And I shall be taking the opportunity to tell him, directly, that there will be no eye test thank you....until I get a full refund & go elsewhere.
Love the glasses Steve! really 'retro' ! thumbs up! I remember those round ones you had in your early videos! where they tinted? or did the just change in the light? :)
Shame about yor crappy experience at Specsavers! I got new glasses just recently and the service I had was pretty okay! Specsavers is like Wetherspoons though! just like their beer and food varies from pub to pub! has to be expected I think!
I know what it's like mine are even thicker and even with them it's 6/45 in my best eye (I think that's how you put it) anyway Specsavers are no good I think my local shop shut down! I guess they will not have time for blind or partially sighted people grrr!
I know this comment is 5 years old but they do specifically say don’t be treated by them if you’re legally blind or partially sighted :) you have to go to the eye hospital.
+BenwaysWorld Yeah, they just kept saying "You must have lost it", but what the heck does that matter if you've got the receipt? "Look, here's bloody receipt, it's got your initials on it as well so just honour the voucher and we'll be on our way". Fat chance. Someone said if we had paid by credit card then we could have recourse through Visa.
SO HAD A RETEST AND YES IT WAS WRONG SO THEY NOW HAVE THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION AT LAST MUST SAY THEY DID A PROPER TEST THIS TIME ,UNLIKE LAST TIME ,,,THERE WAS A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN WHAT AND HOW THEY DID IT THIS TIME ,THE LADY WAS VERY NICE SHE SPENT A LOT OF TIME DOING THE MEASUREMENTS TOO THIS TIME AND SHE GOT THE FACT THAT I WANT THEM ULTRA THIN LIKE MY OLD SPECS,I STILL DONT HAVE THEM ,BUT I WILL LET U ALL KNOW IF THEY ARE OK THIS TIME LOLFINGERS CROSSED
(Take 2 typing this, accidentally clicked off the page lol) :( Man oh man, sorry to hear you had such a bad experience there, Steve! :( I remember when I read about bits of this on Twitter and thinking something weird was going on...but the fact that they made the lenses wrong, yeah, that's a bit too much. :( I've never personally used Specsavers so don't have bias one way or the other...but certainly at the very least, your local branch of Specsavers could do with some improvements being made, based on your account here. :( As long as I can remember, I've always gone to a local family-run opticians in my town and I don't think I've ever had a problem there, they've always been really good and taken proper care of me and my family. :)
AtsumaKarin Small family run optitions are definitely the best. I went to one when I was 14, and that was the best by far. Moving away from home though, they were a less convenient option for me, and I did the rounds of big chains. Can't say I've ever found one I really like though.
I have glasses myself and I'll wear them indoors, but when I go out I'll wear contacts lenses because I really don't like how I look in glasses, I don't really think there are any that suit me.
Specsavers is probably the worst shop on earth. I went in for a quick visit thinking of ordering my first pair after some deterioration in my vision and I know I do need a proper exam and good glasses. The people at the shop started arguing with me before I could even explain anything. Then they tried to dismiss me as soon as possible by saying all of the things and features I want they don't have in stock and it will be very expensive to order. The attitude was so bad, I think I'd never experienced anything quite as bad from any shop. How can anyone trust these people I really don't know. To trust them to fiddle with your eyes? Never ever!
They must have very poor quality control or something just plain wrong with their lens grinding machine. But don't you just love the people who are immediately dismissive rather than listening and actually checking something. Let me guess they didn't need glasses themselves so do not understand what being able to see properly means to someone. I did get LASIK but I was extremely short sighted especially in my right eye. Now I do need to use reading glasses, especially when using the computer for long as I do but it solved part of the problem. Glad you got it sorted in the end though.
Indeed, sounds like poor quality control and opticians that are not qualified for the job being prone to externalization when it comes to dealing with their mistakes. Perhaps a bit of corporate hubris too. Instead of the client being the centre around which all their actions revolve it seems that they have an entirely different mantra...
I have used Crystal Peaks, Sheffield branch for past 7 years and never had a problem with them but heard from many peoples that Vision Express are no better.
I also have similar prescription to you quite complex and have had exactly same problems as you and only TODAY I have had a very bad experience with them about my upcoming test..i think ill cancel and go elsewhere...and also many times they are telling you this and that and they themselves dont even where glasses!
Sounds like a right bodge job There... My experience with Specsavers has been great, only had one fault with a weld and it was replaced straight away. Great rant though...
That's funny. Only yesterday I was reading a webpage full of common English phrases that don't mean anything to Americans. I meant to do a video on the subject a few years ago, but never got around to it. One of these days... maybe :)
This whole 'street fundraising' and flyering has got to stop. If anything I feel sorry for the people having to do it. These companies should give them a real job!
i am worried cos i get to pick up my new glasses tomorrow I had to get new ones as they were badly scratched when they got accidentally slapped off my face by a very stupid man who was shaking out a blanket in primark my glasses went flying across the shop and down the escalator i was so upset because they were incredibly expensive i got them online from a company and they were so fantastic i loved them and i so seriously didn't want to have to buy new ones but they really were ruined and after 4 months of being mean i finally could not take it anymore as i was getting eye strain and head aches i had a strange feeling cos whilst the test was being done the guy was like saying is it better with the red or the green and both looked awful and i said so and then it was can you see clearer with or without etc and again i was saying neither look clear and so it went on and there was not a point where i felt i could see anything crystal clearly anyway afterwards i went back to reception and found i had to pay in full even though my glasses wont be ready for two weeks so i paid ,i am going to pick them up tomorrow and i really am nervous but after seeing this i am not going to leave the shop unless the glasses i get are perfect i will come back here to give an update
Some of them Do have Bad Customer Service. . I waited for a person to have their eye sight test and Of course I looked around because I was waiting for awhile.I was interested in the cleaning cloths and glass cases The Lady who was showing a customer his new pairs of glasses was only 4 feet away from me. Looked at me as if I wasn't allowed to Watch her showing a customer his glasses . I didn't Care about their conversation I was more interested in the glass cases and what you actually get if you Purchase with them. I'd say 70% customer service is Good.
I can understand perfectly where you’re coming from with this issue i had very similar issues with vision Express on my lenses was lower part distorted so when I was looking at the wall top was normal ish but the half bottom part was looking like the wall was pregnant 😂
AT last my glasses from specsavers actually are perfect ,4 th time lucky , i am happy with them after all the months of mucking about i am please with them
Had similar issues in the past with both vision express and specsavers as well as poorly fitting frames even though I spent a small fortune on designer frames they were stretched and expanded beyond recognition from how they were
Their turnover has to cover huge costs for advertising and marketing, managing staff salaries, and Dividends to the family that owns the franchise. Find and support a local independent optometrist/optician who has a good local word-of-mouth reputation. Don't fall for "bait and switch" corporate advertising, better the money is spent on your needs instead of their rampant advertising.
I couldn't see the distortion at first either, but once I did I couldn't un-see it. I'd have thought it would be more expensive to constantly screw up and have to replace stuff, but I bet that most people aren't willing to defend themselves as you do in matters like this. I'm not sure I would have been as polite and patient as you. It must be the "rude American" blood in my veins.
Why did you even pay for a pair of glasses that you didn't think would be right? Tell them once the test was done you don't want them to make a pair....easy.
Hi GOD. I don't believe you exist, but I'm happy to engage with a fictional character all the same :) Thing is, while the initial dodgy eye test was done locally, the botched manufaturing wasn't. Maybe they were just having a bad few weeks... but I'd never go back to them. Eyesight is too important to risk damaging with glasses that aren't right... and they just couldn't get them right. I've since had glasses from Vision Express and Boots, and they've been perfect, first time, no messing.
Hi Benways world, i know you exist because i made you, so i am very happy to reply to your human comment/reply. Glad you got it all sorted in the end. God (dad of the king of the Jews).
These big so-called specialist companies are mostly completely shit at customer service. It's sad that something important such as eye care is suffering the same fate, what a joke. I'd have lost my temper BIG time and I presume you weren't quite as calm as you appear on this video, for which nobody would blame you. The fact they said "we think that's for the best" when you said you were going elsewhere just shows that they do NOT care about customers or producing the very very important product correctly.
SmoothEmJay Yup. When she said "we think that's for the best" I was utterly disgusted. They didn't even bother to ask why I wanted a refund, untill I insisted on telling them, and then they didn't even bother to check for themselves if the the lenses had been made correctly. They just wanted rid of me.
BenwaysWorld absolutely disgusting service, I only hope people stumble across this video and think twice before going to see that branch of Specsavers. It's not like you're returning a faulty electronic item, you're returning something you depend on because it's absolutely not correct and is absolutely VITAL that is IS correct for your own safety. Seriously Steve, I'd have hit the roof if she said that to me because I have zero tolerance for anyone who doesn't offer correct customer service. Though I'm sure you're more or less the same as me in that regard.
I can see the distortian, like a line vertical about half way across when you sweep across the picture! Bloody hell that's terrible serice. Used them a few times, never had any problems like that fortunatly. Hmm, may try boots next time then!!
RetroGamerVX The distortion is most pronounced in the centre at the very top of the lense. It really bends that green line that's printed on the magazine. It looks a lot more dramatic when you're actually wearing the things.
I know the transition lenses are shit. I am registered blind and I mainly wanted sunglasses but they said they could give me transitions but I wanted wraparound sunglasses frame because my eyes are very photosensitive. They gave me the human fly glasses Frames they were horrible. I think they thought because I couldn’t see very well it didn’t matter what the aesthetic’s were.
@@aob4214 at the end of the day YOU made the choice on the frame. It was YOU buying the specs, so they didnt GIVE you anything. If you got them home and didnt like them then that was yout fault not theirs. Also, they do a 3 months, no quibble no fuss, so you cld have taken them back.
***** It was more than just a crappy test. Even after the 2nd test, when they had the prescription done right, they still couldn't make the lenses correctly.
I visited the specsavers in Aberystwyth many years ago and they were rude, like they were upset I was wasting their time, because how dare I to want to give them money lol.
(Continued) my job, I was still a damn good optician and could DO my JOB of trouble-shooting eyeglass problems! Opticians these days don't use what they learn in school since almost all places order the glasses to be made at outside labs, so they forget everything technical and basically just become salespeople. Anyway you could have had the exact same problem at BoOts too had they hired dumb lazy opticians too, it just so happened you managed to run into an optician with half a brain there and it worked out. Sometimes all it takes is a change in lens brand or base curve or lens index and the problem would be solved. These issues happen at EVERY Optical, trust me. I am just SO happy I left the 'career' to study a real career where I don't have to deal with anal, angry propel anymore. PS your precious Boots opticians also sold you glasses too big for your face (too wide) which makes the edges thicker and also increases the distortion in the peripheral vision. The fashion sux too.
+Starfish I think it's wrong to call me anal when all I wanted was glasses which I could see out of properly. That they continually fucked up and I would not accept it does not make me a bad customer.
No it doesn’t when something goes wrong or is not right and the customer points this out the first response from the optician is to try and blame the customer and fob them off.
GRUSS Newton Thanks. Rants are usually popular, and though the subject matter pisses me off, making videos on the topic does tend to make me feel better :)
Hi Steve -- Instead of posting here where you are not likely to have any effect on SpecSavers' quality, why don't you file a complaint with the customer service department at the company? By not doing so, you are leaving the company (and the staff responsible for tracking issues) with the impression that nothing seriously wrong is happening with the goods they are producing. It is obvious from what you say in your video that either their machines need calibration or adjustment, their lens materials have defects, or their opticians who use the machines and lens blanks for the location you visited need retraining. Here is the link to file a complaint from their website : www.specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/customer-service Here is how to contact their corporate offices : www.specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/offices You said you already got a refund, but without following up, corporate will probably just consider you one of those "difficult customers" you mentioned the store staff seemed to think you were, rather than someone who genuinely cared and was concerned by the whole experience you had, even now when there is nothing to be gained.
Michael Quattrocchi You are assuming that I did not send a complaint. I sent several. I never received a response, which only increases my annoyance, hence this video.
All I know about your issue is what you chose to tell the world in your video, which didn't include these details. Their ignoring your contact attempts would have made your video's complaints even more poignant, had you shared that too! Good on you for being as thorough as I would have. Does this sound like someone who wouldn't care about your particular complaints : www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/449469/The-modest-lifestyle-of-Specsavers-founder-Dame-Mary-Perkins Their Twitter account looks well maintained -- that is where I would start hammering next.
Thanks for the links, but I'm really not concerned with hammering. I'm not carrying out a concerted campaign. I received poor service, so I complained, and that would have been the end of it. It's just that receiving that flyer through my letterbox irritated me after my experience with them, so I decided to make this video... just as a one off rant. My comments at the end were aimed at any staff who should happen to stumble across this video, so they know I would stand by my words here. I'm not actually trying to gain their attention.
AdiSneakerFreak Hell no. If they can get a prescription wrong for lenses, they can get it wrong for the laser, and that shit'd be a whole lot harder to fix. Not to mention I need bifical lenses, and I don't think they make bifocal corneas.
A girl in UK has just been awarded £500,000 damages from Optical Express for permanently damaging her eyes, from laser eye surgery. She now has to wear dark glasses permanently. Google 'Stephanie Holloway optical express'. There is a great risk with laser eye surgery, so I'm surprised that people are willing to pay a crap load of money, to risk messing up their eyesight.
BenwaysWorld I think the examination is free so you don't have anything to lose except time. I had a surgery several years ago and my god it feels so fucking good without glasses, well worth it. Anyway, obviously it is up to you.
No it’s NOT childish at all, if you have to wear specs then it’s vital they’re CORRECT as they’re part of your everyday life for EVER so you should complain as much as u have to, well done guy.
myopization.net MAKE. MYOPIA. WORSE !!
*watches this video 2 hours after getting my eyes tested by specsavers*
Bet your specs were fine.
😭😭😭 mine arrived today, oh my word! I'm so disappointed. 2nd time in a row.
What I can't understand is some of the opticians in the Specsavers were i live have been there nearly thirty years but they only put me in to the ones that just came out of college and my mam who is 74 this year and they are a pile of shit ime never going there again I'll take a long bus ride first.
Lol this just auto-played after an excellent Spec-Savers ad. GG CZcams.
Haha! Excellent. Balanced coverage :D
I agree and I worked for them for years. They are only interested in sales, sales and sales. They reprimand their optometrists if he/she is not producing enough SALES! It's all about the ££$$$€€
The reading glasses I got from them have no anti reflection coating on them. They are freaking terrible. They did not even tell me about the need for the coating. I am going to a different place to get new ones.
I can completely understand why you’re not happy, the attitude displayed by the staff sounds awful. I’m an optical assistant and it sounds to me like they didn’t manage your customer expectations when initially dispensing the glasses. Based on your description of the lenses, did you have varifocals? If so they should have explained to you how in a varifocal lens there is an area of soft focus (the distortion you’re describing) which cannot be helped as this is where the three prescriptions in the lens have to merge. It is more noticeable the lower quality varifocal lens and less noticeable the higher quality lens. I’m not sure which lens you opted for at Specsavers but typically people usually have a lot of problems with distortion when they have the standard or premium varifocal, this is because the lens doesn’t offer a particular wide field of vision and therefore, the area of distortion is much more prominent. Additionally as you described them “fixing” the glasses and everything seeming off centre..this sounds like they also measured your pupil distance incorrectly. Did they check this again when you returned? It’s crazy how they didn’t do more to try and solve the problem rather than encouraging you to go elsewhere!
It’s another example of the kind of arrogance and shoddy customer service you often get if you dare to complain in British retail.
I get the feeling that some opticians put themselves above other retailers because they are providing a medically related product and now have access to your medical records (thanks to the NHS allowing businesses access a few years ago unless you opted out) but they are just as capable of ballsing up as anyone else and some of them need to be brought down a peg or two.
This Has Got To Be The Worst Opticians Customer Service I Have Ever Experienced In Over 43 Years !!! I said to the woman that I was not happy with her advice on getting new glasses and new lenses because I can see better with my older glasses that they talked me out of then they act all dumb don't know when you ask them... They just want everyone to buy new glasses and lenses that are worse of for there personal health , I'll find a new opticians I said as I left they have made my eyes worse off !!!(
Why would one of the most successful franchises on the planet be deliberately giving incorrect lenses to people, does that sound like an effective business plan do u think? Of course no think before you speak (or type)
Interesting. My first and last pair came from Specsavers around 18 months ago. I was happy with them but I have nothing to compare them to. I'm now in need of a new pair and I'm seriously considering going elsewhere. An old friend of mine is an independent optician, 20 miles away but I might take the drive and give him my business.
Sorry about your bad experience! Should come to our store in NZ we would have looked after you! Sounds like they did a horrible job. The lens was warped, and the second time your optical centre was off. So most likely they messed up your PD's
I actually work for specsavers, I used to be a lab manager (manager of production) for 2 stores where I’d see these problems often. I’d say 95% of people never have an issue and say the products are really good. However during my time I have seen some awful errors, one I remember being a polarised lens being sent in 90degrees off axis, which was in a varifocal so it was definitely a manufacturing mistake. I remember recording the lens and asking for a QC check to make sure it didn’t happen again. It happened another 2 times. I do find specsavers lenses fine myself but from my experience people with complicated prescription have a lot of problems? I can’t work out if it’s cause these prescriptions come with more complications or whether it’s just specsavers lenses that aren’t very good with high astigmatic/ complicated prescriptions lenses. Did you get bifocals or varifocals in the end???
I got bifocals. I never opt for varifocals. To be honest, I have difficulty with most optitions I go to, but all except specsavers have managed to get it right by the second try.
I just had a bad experience at Spec Savers in Vancouver Canada and it is exactly as you are describing. It is several problems with both; one of the frames and lenses on the bogo which is more rectangular than square rectangular and the temple is two different lengths on both pairs. Refusing to fix any problems. Mocking me in a condescending tone and denying that there are any problems at all. Kept interrupting me as I was trying to speak and the manager could only say "My Hands Are Shaking" and that there is no problems as I held the 2 pairs of glasses to show them. It's a Sham and a Scam!
My experience of SpecSavers is that they are nothing more than a sausage machine churning out glasses. I've just got my first set of bifocals. They couldn't give a damn about the customer.
The "trying on" phase was rushed and unacceptable. I wasn’t even taken to a proper desk or booth and they can’t have taken more than 5 mins. They couldn't give a stuff and didn’t really check them properly they were so busy! I am still struggling to get used to them about 4- 5 weeks later. The off the peg ones I got in Boots are better!
Would I go to Specsavers again. Highly unlikely! Their marketing budget seems to be on a par with McDonalds - if they spent less money on advertising and more on getting their customer service right it would be something. The only I would go back is to complain about my bifocal lenses (when I have five minutes) as something isn’t right with mine.
Well done to you for not putting up with shoddy service and standing up to arrogant staff.
(As you can tell I have been harbouring these feelings for a long time so I'm glad you had a little rant too)
Still the same. First the long distance was wrong. Using their premium lenses distortion worse than any I ever had before. Had to go back three times. This is still going on. Going cheap is not a great idea if like you you have slightly complex needs.
Exactly the same as my specsaver experience this year. Gave me contacts with a prescription that was making me sick(the giveaway should've been that my eyesight had improved), had to go back for a retest and they agreed it was wrong but made poor excuses as how it was probably right "at the time". My glasses too have some defect i can see if i look to the left, only wear them v occasionally and only ever pay the very basic so i didn't complain, had i spent the astronomical amount they charge for lens thinning i would've been mad! My girlfriend works for boots the opticians so quite why i even use specsavers i'll never know, old habits i guess....
this is a very fair accessment by the sounds of it. For obvious reasons it's hardly a stretch to think bad practice happens in some of these places. Odd that you should receive thumbs down for speaking of this bad experience
Were had similar problems with Specsavers in Leeds, it's even worse as its for my 90 year old grandmother who is housebound and who we care for. They did the initial home visit eye test 10 weeks ago, the glasses took 2 weeks to be made when she tried them on she couldn't see a thing at all through them. They sent them back to be tested this took 3 weeks with us phoning every day after the 1st week.
They said the lenses were correct and they would send them back out with a optician this time to address any problems at my grandmothers home. This happened a week later when they arrived they were not an optician she told us they don't send opticians out for delivery plus she had not been told of the previous issues. So they had to go back again same thing happened took 3 bloody weeks 2 of which was for the glasses to arrive back with Specsavers its was only leeds to Manchester but took 2 weeks,
We finally then got a phone call saying they were ready to be delivered I asked have the lenses been remade, I was told the most unconvincing yes imaginable. I decided to ring back the next day and spoke to somebody else asked the same question have the lenses been remade, immediately said no these were the same lenses well I lost my shit at that point and asked to speak to a manager who I tore a chunk out of her arse I don't think she will ever be able to sit down its just unacceptable. Anyhow we got a refund went to a small independent opticians within 2 weeks my grandmother has a new pair of glasses which she can see out of, so I'm with you Steve "shouldn't have gone to Specsavers"
Yes the home visit is worse, they missed my dad's serious macular degeneration, when we sent him to a proper opticians he was sent to hospital that afternoon.
How your baba is doing now?
YES. In Bristol, there are people flyering in the street, outside the shop, things through the door but worst of all they actually put banners on bikes and then lock the bike to a public bike store for free advertising preventing anyone from it! Outrageous and all this has achieved (for me) is a boycott of their service. They are too aggressive with advertising, its got to make you wonder about the service (which is often pretty shoddy). I swear they used to be alright in the 90's!
It depends on what varifocal type you have and the prescription and the measurement
This is almost as funny as the Monty Python Parrot sketch. I am glad you got sorted. Well done for being direct with them. Many people would not be as forthright as you, unfortunately.
Crazy story! I'm currently waiting for a re pair since the ones i got turned out to be too small for my face. For some reason they make lenses really big these days, not slim like my old ones 2 years ago
Yes I went into specsavers 2 weeks ago; the staff was mechanical and tired, I left. Went to a boutique optician and spent £500 there instead.
Just whent for my first ever eye test to day. Took ages and the woman explained everything to me really well. Took about 45 min x
Personally I like the old way of testing your eyes. That machine is annoying because your head moves. Having the old style where they put glasses on your face and slot lenses in is better. I found out they gave me varifocals which I did not know. All she said was I have a very small reading prescription, but I was not told that these would be varifocals. I struggled with these lenses for a few months, went back and was told you hVe varifocals! I felt like I was going crossed eyed! Maybe the lenses were distorted who knows, but I won't be going back again.
Specsavers' varifocals are appalling. Even their best grade ('Tailor-made') of varifocals is rubbish. They have a very narrow window to see through, which means you have to turn your head to avoid the blurred areas on each side. When I got mine, I complained because they were far inferior to my pre-existing 10-year old Kodak lenses. I got my money refunded and an apology from two of the store's staff for their product not living up to the hype.
I had the exact same experience at SpecSavers, went to an independent and the prescription was much more accurate. They're half price for a reason, the coating on the lenses are poor too I got a lot of glare from the sun when driving. Essilor are the way to go.
Specsavers use essilor
@@jamiemak no they don't
@@RyuFan1999 Specsavers use Pentax.
Specsavers is the cheapest not the best. Luckily I've never had problems with my eyes even though almost everyone else in my family does! Good video you should do more like it. But I guess you only can when something pisses you off.
I have now had a test in boots and was the best test I ever had the guy had it all on computer and the lens were at the touch of a button and seemed more fine tuned and accurate he even at on point to check one eye on manual got to out of the bottom drawer the lens that turns both ways and he put it in front of what I was looking through like the old days. Specsave had made an error in my prism set up and be I had this for 2.5 years..no wonder I was struggling!
Your experience is nowhere as bad as mine but overall specsavers are a pile of shite, very poor service and extortionate prices... Which place would you recommend?
Similar to my recent experience at Specsavers. I could only see through the left lens of my new varifocals, while the right one was incredibly blurred. I was told to try them for a week to get used to them, which I would not accept. They even got the tint way too dark. I told him that if I wear those at night while driving, I'll get pulled by the police. "Oh, do you drive at night then?" he asked. Unbelievable! The lenses were sent away to be corrected, and after two weeks worth of phone calls, they were finally ready for collection. Siure, they'd lightened up the tint but they'd done nothing to correct the focus on the right lens. They insisted it was correct for my test results, so I suggested a new test. "I'll book one for tomorrow morning at 11.15 am. I turn up and he goes through all the same nonsense again, but then he begins to bend my frames, which I told him not to do. It turned out there was no retest, but then he said I could have one that afternoon. I turn up, get the retest, and it's roughly the same as the first. They tell me that the blurring through the right eye is due to the start of a cataract. "How come I can see better through my previous ten-year old lenses than through these?" I ask. They reply with some unconvincing technical explanation.
Now, even the best grade of varifocals from Specsavers is rubbish. They have a very narrow window to see through, which means you have to turn your head to avoid the blurred areas on each side. When I got mine, I complained because they were far inferior to my pre-existing 10-year old Kodak lenses. They had nowhere else to go. I got my money refunded and an apology from two of the store's staff for their product not living up to the hype. Like you, never again.
They push me into contact lenses and you are right specsavers are awful they push me into contacts and really I just want a pair glasses that I can see out of them and take of them off knowing they are off without worrying about taking the little fuckers out! You are correct again they rush the eye tests!! And I am benefits so I was broke for a few days after paying £90 for three months worth plus £30 for a pair of glasses so that was a tight as duck ass week
I noticed that at specsavers they rush their tests I am at local one now he took his time about 45-50mins long
right so here my update 3 days on the trotts
i was told my new glasses were ready to pick up at 12 pm
and they were not ready when i got there
and then i was told that they would be ready at 12 pm
i got there and they said that they were not ready and come back at 3 pm
I constantly tried to phone but no one answered the phone so i could not confirm they were in fact readdy and had to go in person each time 4 times in all ,,,
finally after 4 visits apparently they were ready but i put them on
to find the right lens was the wrong prescription
and i could see nothing but blur out of it WHEN LOOKING STRAIGHT AHEAD BUT IF I TURNED MY HEAD AND LOOK ACROSS to the side THEN I COULD SEE CLEARLY ,OUT OF THE RIGHT LENS
so the focal point was in the wrong place ,,
also the lenses were not ultra thin as i had ordered either
i was told to take them home i would get used to them lol
i said no way when i said i want my money back
not only are the lenses not ultra thin as i ordered but the right eye is a completely different power to the left eye ;
i was getting a bit stressed after all that f ing around as well 5 exasperated times being told that they would be ready to pick up and they were not .was annoying enough !
i was offered a retest as i simply would not accept their argument that apparently my prescription has changed ,
despite me being able to see perfectly wearing my old glasses
then the other argument was oh they cant make the lenses thin as they are plastic
to which i replied,Oh really look at these (holding up my old glasses which are the ultra thin
i said i showed the sale woman my glasses when i made the order
i said i wanted them the same as my old ones but with out the reaction tint
that was the only aspect of the new glasses that was correct lol
so now i have to wait until the 18th for that retest and start the procedure all over again
thank you for posting this video as i might have been stupid enough to trust them when they said
oh its a stronger prescription is all and you need to get used to it ,good grief
I'm sorry to hear you had such a poor experience with them, but sadly, not at all surprised.
Wanna comment but honestly I'm just too angry. Not at you at them. Glad for your rant tho. Not alone ❤
so today i was passing specsaverws and as i had heard nothing about my glasses i popped in only to be told that my glasses were in since friday and no one sent me a text or called me ,so i was sat down and some one came with them i put them on and i still could not see correctly so i was kept 40 mins while the lady ran about up and down to the lab and back 4 times
and told me they have to make them again as the focal point is not in the correct place the pupul distance was in the wrong place ,i am shocked this is the second time now they have had to start all over apariently they will call me when they are in ,,,,,
i went to specsavers, had an eye test, picked some frames, all in all cost me 290 pounds, in 2018, when my glasses were ready for pick up, i tried them on and my vision was blurred, so had to have another eye test, another 40 pounds, so cost now is 330. pounds, 2 weeks later i went back intro specsavers to pick my newly adjusted glasses up, i tried them on and my vision was blurred again, they told me i had to keep the glasses as i had paid for them and had them rectified, they said keep them on and let my eyes adjust to them, it was impossible to drive with blurred vision so i could not use them at all, they have sat in a drawer at home now for 4 years now, 330. pounds down, specsavers? they use very cheap chinese glass, almost clear in the center, massive blurriness off the center, i didnt get a refund i was fobbed off, robbed by specsavers...NEVER AGAIN!!!!
You should have stuck to your guns when demanding a refund - you're legally entitled to one for a faulty, unsuitable product. I recently had a similar issue with Specsavers regarding a bad blurry lens. Eventually, I told them to put my old lenses back because at least I can see better with them. After putting the old ones back in my frames, he handed me the new ones and said "They're yours." I replied "They're no good to me. I want a refund", and so I got one.
I’ve been wearing glasses since I was fourteen, and specsavers were the worst I ever had, and I’m an old lady now. I got my money back. Don’t tell you that do they????
I wear glasses for 10 years now, and this sounds like a horror story really, im glad that you made this video, they did terible job, i cant believe what i am hearing, damn
Never EVER go to a Specsavers if you have a urgent eye issue. I waited for a apt yesterday, Got seen and prescribed medication only a hospital will hand over, and even then the pharmacy doesn’t like the letter the optician wrote on. So ended up in A&E as I’m so stressed with no medication. Absolute joke, I’m in pain and the prescription means nothing. What’s the point. Lesson learnt go A&E next time. The Specsavers optician said it wasn’t stress related even though I’ve recently been diagnosed with depression. And yet within two minutes the hospital said I have a stress related cyst. I am off work today due to it all. So I’m thinking about how to complain.
Well boots opticians is not good too, I get my eye test 4th dec my prescription changed everything’s fine, they told me I’ll get my glasses on the 18th and they said they tried calling me but they got the wrong number and tried to call me because the glasses where out of stock but the guy said they will give me the display model, I ask what happens they said they didn’t know, let me choose out a new pair and got told to pick them up on the 28th of December and they told me again that they tried to call me, I gave them a note with my phone number and they give glasses and they can’t even read they wanted to tell me that the glasses didn’t come because they lost them! I gave them my number and now it’s correct, I’m waiting for a call now
Many thanks for telling the story, it gives good experience about getting the right glasses from opticians
Wish you good luck with those final glasses :-)
spec savers still have not sorted my glasses out im still waiting ,if they are not right im getting a refund and going somewhere else,i am really fed up now
SPECSAVERS LET ME DOWN AND IGNORED BY CUSTOMER SERVICE. My girlfriend bought me a voucher from Specsavers Kingston for my birthday, so I went in and had an eye test, chose my glasses and presented the voucher. "That's not the voucher", they said, "that's just the receipt". "Well that's all we were given", was our response. "Sorry, but no voucher, no glasses, and I definitely gave you a voucher, 100%." "Well then you should have a record of it on your computer" I said.
After about an hour they finally agreed to check the computer...and guess what, NO VOUCHER WAS ISSUED THAT DAY, casting doubt on their assertions (Note nothing for 10th Feb). "Oh, well, erm, sorry you'll have to WRITE to the manager explaining your problem and he will look into it." It's sad when companies can't admit they're wrong, even when the evidence is presented to them by their own system. I have contacted the branch but so far no one has called to rectify their mistake.
They have CCTV in store so I think it would be easy to review the tapes for 10 Feb 2016 and clear this up.
+steve manser Can't say this surprises me at all. Awful company. You have my sympathy.
Sorry for what you have been through.These things happen when people are not hell bent to solve it.Am an optician myself in india i reckon eye test is important but even more important is recognising what progressive design would suit the prescription and frame shape too matters.With these kept in mind,patience and attitude also contribites to successfull welfare of customer.
Right on, spectacles AND discount doesn't go well together.
Imagine how many old people from other generations who havn't got the same nerve regarding complaining over inferior products. resulting in them running about with distorted eyesight, crashing into eachother on the street and whatnot.
Your lucky I was verbally abused in the Dudley branch apparently there staff don't like people who they consider not pretty and will call you ugly on the shop floor. Rude arrogant nasty don't go to Specsavers unless you're a supermodel
Had kinda same problem about 8 years ago factory I worked for would pay for prescription safety glasses but only at one certain store (that I wont name ) went to my doctor for eye exam took the script to the other place and after 5 try's they still could not get it right ,said it was the wrong prescription I couldn't ask for refund as it was not my money ,but took same script to another place they got it right the first time only cost me $150.00 but it was worth it
Yeah some people have good luck at crappy places and swear by them
Me, I just get crap and swear at them
Hi Sir I too have been having problems with Specsavers especially in Westwickham, may I ask which Specsavers you went too?
Maybe they use cheaper products hence the price?
I could tell you some tales about my experiences with specsaves but there's not enough space here.
Shouldn’t have gone to Specsavers…they just ripped my mum off to the tune of £200 too!!
I have worn glasses from age 4, I'm now 62...& new glasses were never once a problem, until 6yrs ago when I entered my local specsavers. As per this video...two tests, four changes of prescription, four sets of lenses, over a period of 3mth's during which I was being driven to insanity from the moment I rose to the moment I retired. Regardless of their attempts I constantly ended up with lenses that put a whole new definition to the term varifocal, the focal distance varying both across & up/down. Those glasses made me mentally unstable, such was the hell of wearing the damn things....& in the end, having paid a small fortune for ultra thin, varifocal, reaction lenses, they went into the recycling centre bin...& I got a pair of basic distance glasses online, for £15 incl postage.Perfect, no problem & thank God because, being disabled & on benefits, then I've been obliged to go cheap(Specsavers) again, 4yrs ago & again 2yrs ago & again last month.Each time the exact same problem resulting in the same retests/remakes, the same result....glasses in the drawer & continuing with my 6yr old online gems.I went back three days ago demanding a refund & refusing to go down their pointless route yet again...they ignored my request, waffled on as I've heard too many times before & made me a retest with the MD tomorrow morning.And I shall be taking the opportunity to tell him, directly, that there will be no eye test thank you....until I get a full refund & go elsewhere.
+Gill Simo Best of luck to you. I've had problems with dodgy prescriptions in the past, but nothing ever as bad as Specsavers.
Gill Simo I worn glasses since I m 11.
Love the glasses Steve! really 'retro' ! thumbs up! I remember those round ones you had in your early videos! where they tinted? or did the just change in the light? :)
Shame about yor crappy experience at Specsavers! I got new glasses just recently and the service I had was pretty okay! Specsavers is like Wetherspoons though! just like their beer and food varies from pub to pub! has to be expected I think!
oh...no one eye is weaker than the other. It’s how it is. that’s why your glasses normally have different strength lenses on each eye!
I know what it's like mine are even thicker and even with them it's 6/45 in my best eye (I think that's how you put it) anyway Specsavers are no good I think my local shop shut down! I guess they will not have time for blind or partially sighted people grrr!
I know this comment is 5 years old but they do specifically say don’t be treated by them if you’re legally blind or partially sighted :) you have to go to the eye hospital.
+BenwaysWorld Yeah, they just kept saying "You must have lost it", but what the heck does that matter if you've got the receipt? "Look, here's bloody receipt, it's got your initials on it as well so just honour the voucher and we'll be on our way". Fat chance. Someone said if we had paid by credit card then we could have recourse through Visa.
My glasses are already falling apart after a month.
SO HAD A RETEST AND YES IT WAS WRONG SO THEY NOW HAVE THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION AT LAST MUST SAY THEY DID A PROPER TEST THIS TIME ,UNLIKE LAST TIME ,,,THERE WAS A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN WHAT AND HOW THEY DID IT THIS TIME ,THE LADY WAS VERY NICE SHE SPENT A LOT OF TIME DOING THE MEASUREMENTS TOO THIS TIME AND SHE GOT THE FACT THAT I WANT THEM ULTRA THIN LIKE MY OLD SPECS,I STILL DONT HAVE THEM ,BUT I WILL LET U ALL KNOW IF THEY ARE OK THIS TIME LOLFINGERS CROSSED
Best of luck :)
Your life is incredibly sad and likely disappointing
(Take 2 typing this, accidentally clicked off the page lol) :(
Man oh man, sorry to hear you had such a bad experience there, Steve! :(
I remember when I read about bits of this on Twitter and thinking something weird was going on...but the fact that they made the lenses wrong, yeah, that's a bit too much. :(
I've never personally used Specsavers so don't have bias one way or the other...but certainly at the very least, your local branch of Specsavers could do with some improvements being made, based on your account here. :(
As long as I can remember, I've always gone to a local family-run opticians in my town and I don't think I've ever had a problem there, they've always been really good and taken proper care of me and my family. :)
AtsumaKarin Small family run optitions are definitely the best. I went to one when I was 14, and that was the best by far. Moving away from home though, they were a less convenient option for me, and I did the rounds of big chains. Can't say I've ever found one I really like though.
Looks like spec savers have put too much effort into marketing
that's unfortunate and certainly not what you would hope for. Is the new Select Specs anything like Specsavers? keep up the cool vids
I have glasses myself and I'll wear them indoors, but when I go out I'll wear contacts lenses because I really don't like how I look in glasses, I don't really think there are any that suit me.
Specsavers is probably the worst shop on earth. I went in for a quick visit thinking of ordering my first pair after some deterioration in my vision and I know I do need a proper exam and good glasses. The people at the shop started arguing with me before I could even explain anything. Then they tried to dismiss me as soon as possible by saying all of the things and features I want they don't have in stock and it will be very expensive to order. The attitude was so bad, I think I'd never experienced anything quite as bad from any shop. How can anyone trust these people I really don't know. To trust them to fiddle with your eyes? Never ever!
They must have very poor quality control or something just plain wrong with their lens grinding machine. But don't you just love the people who are immediately dismissive rather than listening and actually checking something.
Let me guess they didn't need glasses themselves so do not understand what being able to see properly means to someone.
I did get LASIK but I was extremely short sighted especially in my right eye. Now I do need to use reading glasses, especially when using the computer for long as I do but it solved part of the problem.
Glad you got it sorted in the end though.
Indeed, sounds like poor quality control and opticians that are not qualified for the job being prone to externalization when it comes to dealing with their mistakes.
Perhaps a bit of corporate hubris too. Instead of the client being the centre around which all their actions revolve it seems that they have an entirely different mantra...
I didn't know Specsavers existed in the UK, I thought they were only in Australia.
me too
How is your eyesight doing (medically speaking)?
John Andrew Thomas It's stable, so far. No more vitreous detachments since January.
I have used Crystal Peaks, Sheffield branch for past 7 years and never had a problem with them but heard from many peoples that Vision Express are no better.
I also have similar prescription to you quite complex and have had exactly same problems as you and only TODAY I have had a very bad experience with them about my upcoming test..i think ill cancel and go elsewhere...and also many times they are telling you this and that and they themselves dont even where glasses!
Sounds like a right bodge job There... My experience with Specsavers has been great, only had one fault with a weld and it was replaced straight away. Great rant though...
Only after looking at the related videos did I get the pun of the video title. :-) It's doubly lost on Americans because we don't call them "specs"!
That's funny. Only yesterday I was reading a webpage full of common English phrases that don't mean anything to Americans. I meant to do a video on the subject a few years ago, but never got around to it. One of these days... maybe :)
I ve never had any problems after alot of years with them. My varifocals are spot on
This whole 'street fundraising' and flyering has got to stop. If anything I feel sorry for the people having to do it. These companies should give them a real job!
why do spec-savers leave info off the prescription form like ADD!
i am worried cos i get to pick up my new glasses tomorrow
I had to get new ones as they were badly scratched when they got accidentally
slapped off my face by a very stupid man who was shaking out a blanket in primark
my glasses went flying across the shop and down the escalator
i was so upset because they were incredibly expensive
i got them online from a company and they were so fantastic i loved them
and i so seriously didn't want to have to buy new ones but they really were ruined
and after 4 months of being mean i finally could not take it anymore as i was getting eye strain and head aches
i had a strange feeling cos whilst the test was being done
the guy was like saying is it better with the red or the green and both looked awful
and i said so and then it was can you see clearer with or without etc and again i was saying neither look clear
and so it went on and there was not a point where i felt i could see anything crystal clearly
anyway afterwards i went back to reception and found i had to pay in full even though my glasses wont be ready for two weeks
so i paid ,i am going to pick them up tomorrow
and i really am nervous
but after seeing this i am not going to leave the shop
unless the glasses i get are perfect
i will come back here to give an update
Fingers crossed they're fine, but I understand your nervousness.
Well are they OK?
@@dianeharrison4975 It's always the same. People promise an update, but never do it.
Some of them Do have Bad Customer Service. . I waited for a person to have their eye sight test and Of course I looked around because I was waiting for awhile.I was interested in the cleaning cloths and glass cases The Lady who was showing a customer his new pairs of glasses was only 4 feet away from me. Looked at me as if I wasn't allowed to Watch her showing a customer his glasses . I didn't Care about their conversation I was more interested in the glass cases and what you actually get if you Purchase with them. I'd say 70% customer service is Good.
I can understand perfectly where you’re coming from with this issue i had very similar issues with vision Express on my lenses was lower part distorted so when I was looking at the wall top was normal ish but the half bottom part was looking like the wall was pregnant 😂
AT last my glasses from specsavers actually are perfect ,4 th time lucky ,
i am happy with them after all the months of mucking about i am please with them
Had similar issues in the past with both vision express and specsavers as well as poorly fitting frames even though I spent a small fortune on designer frames they were stretched and expanded beyond recognition from how they were
No one is forcing you to buy the frames. You try them on for a reason. You should know what's too small/ too big before you buy them?
I think you are spot on, I am going pretty much the same with vision express!
Their turnover has to cover huge costs for advertising and marketing, managing staff salaries, and Dividends to the family that owns the franchise. Find and support a local independent optometrist/optician who has a good local word-of-mouth reputation. Don't fall for "bait and switch" corporate advertising, better the money is spent on your needs instead of their rampant advertising.
I couldn't see the distortion at first either, but once I did I couldn't un-see it.
I'd have thought it would be more expensive to constantly screw up and have to replace stuff, but I bet that most people aren't willing to defend themselves as you do in matters like this.
I'm not sure I would have been as polite and patient as you. It must be the "rude American" blood in my veins.
I didn't realise they had specsavers in ireland...
Why did you even pay for a pair of glasses that you didn't think would be right? Tell them once the test was done you don't want them to make a pair....easy.
+Rubin Pelicanidae I can only assume you didn't get past the first 30 seconds of my video, as it has nothing to do with flyers. Seriously, not clever.
I hate the specsavers hard sell, I now go to Vision Express
Ive used them loads of times and always seem pretty good, maybe its your branch.
I AM GOD
Hi GOD. I don't believe you exist, but I'm happy to engage with a fictional character all the same :) Thing is, while the initial dodgy eye test was done locally, the botched manufaturing wasn't. Maybe they were just having a bad few weeks... but I'd never go back to them. Eyesight is too important to risk damaging with glasses that aren't right... and they just couldn't get them right. I've since had glasses from Vision Express and Boots, and they've been perfect, first time, no messing.
Hi Benways world, i know you exist because i made you, so i am very happy to reply to your human comment/reply.
Glad you got it all sorted in the end.
God (dad of the king of the Jews).
These big so-called specialist companies are mostly completely shit at customer service. It's sad that something important such as eye care is suffering the same fate, what a joke. I'd have lost my temper BIG time and I presume you weren't quite as calm as you appear on this video, for which nobody would blame you.
The fact they said "we think that's for the best" when you said you were going elsewhere just shows that they do NOT care about customers or producing the very very important product correctly.
SmoothEmJay Yup. When she said "we think that's for the best" I was utterly disgusted. They didn't even bother to ask why I wanted a refund, untill I insisted on telling them, and then they didn't even bother to check for themselves if the the lenses had been made correctly. They just wanted rid of me.
BenwaysWorld absolutely disgusting service, I only hope people stumble across this video and think twice before going to see that branch of Specsavers. It's not like you're returning a faulty electronic item, you're returning something you depend on because it's absolutely not correct and is absolutely VITAL that is IS correct for your own safety. Seriously Steve, I'd have hit the roof if she said that to me because I have zero tolerance for anyone who doesn't offer correct customer service. Though I'm sure you're more or less the same as me in that regard.
mine are 87 CM long bent
:)
I can see the distortian, like a line vertical about half way across when you sweep across the picture! Bloody hell that's terrible serice. Used them a few times, never had any problems like that fortunatly. Hmm, may try boots next time then!!
RetroGamerVX The distortion is most pronounced in the centre at the very top of the lense. It really bends that green line that's printed on the magazine. It looks a lot more dramatic when you're actually wearing the things.
Also, specsavers dont do a 'purple' reactions lens. They do grey and brown.
I know the transition lenses are shit. I am registered blind and I mainly wanted sunglasses but they said they could give me transitions but I wanted wraparound sunglasses frame because my eyes are very photosensitive. They gave me the human fly glasses Frames they were horrible. I think they thought because I couldn’t see very well it didn’t matter what the aesthetic’s were.
@@aob4214 at the end of the day YOU made the choice on the frame. It was YOU buying the specs, so they didnt GIVE you anything. If you got them home and didnt like them then that was yout fault not theirs. Also, they do a 3 months, no quibble no fuss, so you cld have taken them back.
To be fair, I went to Specsavers a couple of months back and they were spot on. I guess you just got a crappy eye-man-inspector-dude :(
***** It was more than just a crappy test. Even after the 2nd test, when they had the prescription done right, they still couldn't make the lenses correctly.
BenwaysWorld Yeah, I watched the rest of the vid. Sounds like they need some new staff in that branch! ¿ʇɥƃᴉɹ ʞo sᴉɥʇ pɐǝɹ uɐɔ no⅄
I can read that, but ouch! My poor neck :P
I visited the specsavers in Aberystwyth many years ago and they were rude, like they were upset I was wasting their time, because how dare I to want to give them money lol.
Went to specsavers once .....!!!!!
Never again ....!!!!!
I need glasses and i can see that.
Dodgy directors and managers are quite normal with this company all wealthy and not always by playing fair and a head office that's full of sh@t
(Continued) my job, I was still a damn good optician and could DO my JOB of trouble-shooting eyeglass problems! Opticians these days don't use what they learn in school since almost all places order the glasses to be made at outside labs, so they forget everything technical and basically just become salespeople. Anyway you could have had the exact same problem at BoOts too had they hired dumb lazy opticians too, it just so happened you managed to run into an optician with half a brain there and it worked out. Sometimes all it takes is a change in lens brand or base curve or lens index and the problem would be solved. These issues happen at EVERY Optical, trust me. I am just SO happy I left the 'career' to study a real career where I don't have to deal with anal, angry propel anymore. PS your precious Boots opticians also sold you glasses too big for your face (too wide) which makes the edges thicker and also increases the distortion in the peripheral vision. The fashion sux too.
+Starfish I think it's wrong to call me anal when all I wanted was glasses which I could see out of properly. That they continually fucked up and I would not accept it does not make me a bad customer.
No it doesn’t when something goes wrong or is not right and the customer points this out the first response from the optician is to try and blame the customer and fob them off.
Good rant Steve! Sorry this really pissed you off but it made an excellent video!
GRUSS Newton Thanks. Rants are usually popular, and though the subject matter pisses me off, making videos on the topic does tend to make me feel better :)
***** you can't beat a good rant to get something off your chest! Least your sorted now! :-)
bad times.
Hi Steve -- Instead of posting here where you are not likely to have any effect on SpecSavers' quality, why don't you file a complaint with the customer service department at the company? By not doing so, you are leaving the company (and the staff responsible for tracking issues) with the impression that nothing seriously wrong is happening with the goods they are producing.
It is obvious from what you say in your video that either their machines need calibration or adjustment, their lens materials have defects, or their opticians who use the machines and lens blanks for the location you visited need retraining.
Here is the link to file a complaint from their website :
www.specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/customer-service
Here is how to contact their corporate offices :
www.specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/offices
You said you already got a refund, but without following up, corporate will probably just consider you one of those "difficult customers" you mentioned the store staff seemed to think you were, rather than someone who genuinely cared and was concerned by the whole experience you had, even now when there is nothing to be gained.
Michael Quattrocchi You are assuming that I did not send a complaint. I sent several. I never received a response, which only increases my annoyance, hence this video.
All I know about your issue is what you chose to tell the world in your video, which didn't include these details. Their ignoring your contact attempts would have made your video's complaints even more poignant, had you shared that too! Good on you for being as thorough as I would have.
Does this sound like someone who wouldn't care about your particular complaints :
www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/449469/The-modest-lifestyle-of-Specsavers-founder-Dame-Mary-Perkins
Their Twitter account looks well maintained -- that is where I would start hammering next.
Thanks for the links, but I'm really not concerned with hammering. I'm not carrying out a concerted campaign.
I received poor service, so I complained, and that would have been the end of it. It's just that receiving that flyer through my letterbox irritated me after my experience with them, so I decided to make this video... just as a one off rant.
My comments at the end were aimed at any staff who should happen to stumble across this video, so they know I would stand by my words here. I'm not actually trying to gain their attention.
which branch is this?
Worksop
Reach for the lasers, safe as fuck ;). Get laser eye surgery mate :)
AdiSneakerFreak Hell no. If they can get a prescription wrong for lenses, they can get it wrong for the laser, and that shit'd be a whole lot harder to fix. Not to mention I need bifical lenses, and I don't think they make bifocal corneas.
Haha brilliant answer bud 😀 I'll do it with a laser pen for a fiver if you want.. Oh just overviewed a book you may like in my channel.
A girl in UK has just been awarded £500,000 damages from Optical Express for permanently damaging her eyes, from laser eye surgery. She now has to wear dark glasses permanently. Google 'Stephanie Holloway optical express'. There is a great risk with laser eye surgery, so I'm surprised that people are willing to pay a crap load of money, to risk messing up their eyesight.
BenwaysWorld I think the examination is free so you don't have anything to lose except time.
I had a surgery several years ago and my god it feels so fucking good without glasses, well worth it.
Anyway, obviously it is up to you.
Vari focals